Wednesday, November 4, 2009

The spell...

Sometimes it seems that my kids spend most of the day following me around the house demanding things. Food, attention, instruction, hugs, snuggles, more food. Sometimes I must mediate arguments. It can be a bit exhausting.

That's why when one of my girls falls under the spell I do not even consider interrupting them. I've spent the last twenty minutes watching Lily make trips up to the attic. Each time she comes down her arms are full of dolls and dress-up clothes.

I do not make eye contact.

I do not ask what she is doing.

I pretend that I do not notice.

There is some vast and no doubt very messy world being created by Lily in her room. I'm pretty sure that I saw a bridal veil and a cradle go by.

I will let her play this game for as long as she wants.

When I put her to bed tonight I'll ask her about her game. I'll hold her tight and let her tell me all about her secret world. I'll fall down the rabbit hole with her leaving the mess of her room, the bills on my desk and the laundry in the basement far behind.

7 comments:

Pom Pom said...

LOVE this!

Lisa said...

Playing in your own world is the BEST!!
Hugs, Lisa

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

What a fabulous mom you are!!!!

David W. Padrusch said...

She's the best.

gretchen from lifenut said...

This was fantastic.

My daughter recently hauled several large Eggo boxes up to her room, along with glue and construction paper. She raided my sewing basket for scraps. I said nothing.

It turned out she made a train for her little brother's Webkinz.

Ginger said...

You are a good mom to let Lily have her alone time. I remember when I was a kid, I played "store" for hours in my mom's kitchen pantry. I had the best time.

Anonymous said...

I never understand parents who feel the need to interrupt when the "kids are too quiet". Hello! They are content. I always enjoy these moments and breathe them in too. xo Mari